Cats and Fireworks: not a good combination, for sure! Our cats want to run and hide so we need to make sure they can do just that. Therefore, make a plan that you can utilize before those noisy celebrations begin! By the way, the same principals apply to dogs.
Incidentally, fireworks often frighten pets. Therefore. many run away! All because of fireworks! They usually never get back home! Don’t you be among the heartbroken folks!
Cats and Fireworks: Plan Ahead!
We know there will be loud celebrations several times a year. Our cats, with their sensitive hearing hate the noise and they are terrified. Therefore, put a plan in place well before the holiday. Set up the area in advance. My cats use the same hiding places all year round. Moreover, it makes it easier for me to find them after thunderstorms too. My guys occasionally run when they hear loud mufflers or motorcycles. Consequently, once you set up a safe spot or two, you might as well plan on keeping them ready.
Safe Spots – Ask the Cats!
Several years ago, we had a tornado go right over our apartment building. The warning came on my iPhone and the cats scattered! I was barely on my feet when I heard that familiar freight train sound overhead! We were all safe; God looks after those of us who can’t move so fast anymore! However, I knew exactly where the cats were. The cats showed me early on where to set up safe spots. Shortly after we moved in, they scurried for cover if someone knocked on a neighboring door! They went in the closet or under the bed. Therefore, the closet doors always stay partially open. Under the bed are boxes with openings facing the wall. Hiding places are dark and usually quiet. I have a table in the bedroom and there are similar boxes under there too.
Old towels or blankets make it extra comfortable. Incidentally, the cats chose the safe spots and I just bumped them up to the next level. There’s never a question now where they can go. Problem partly solved! By the way, do not share the cats hiding location with anyone other than a cat-sitter! They don’t want to be bothered. My cats hide from strangers. They will come out if or when they feel like it. That could very well be when things are quiet again. After a thunderstorm, my cats sense an “All-Clear,” before The Weather Channel knows!
Other Pointers from a Cat-Sitter
Incidentally, I am a professional cat-sitter and I always ask my clients to provide hiding places for their cats. The cats always come out when they want. By the way, I need to count noses so I will try to at least get a glimpse of the cats every day. Moreover, I need to know they aren’t shut in a closet or spare room when I can’t see them; just making sure they are ok. Speaking of other doors, I recommend putting a folded towel on the top of doors that you don’t want to close if you’re gone. I once found an adorable cat shut in a closet; fortunately, it was the first day of sitting for them. Moreover, even if your cats go outside, DO NOT LET THEM OUT NOW! I know of cats who ran off because of the noise and never returned home.
By the way, there are commercial products that you can purchase to help cats stay calm. Feliway Comfort Zone contains pheremones that make the cat feel happy. Nature’s Miracle makes a Calming spray that contains natural extracts of herbs, flowers and essential oils. Both work well and are at your local pet stores or Amazon. Incidentally, these are handy when it’s time for a trip to the vet! The same products are available for dogs; as well as “Thunder Shirts.” Those feel like a snug hug!
Cats and Fireworks – What Else?
Outside noise can be muffled to a certain extent by soft music or talk radio, whichever is most familiar to your cats. By the way, we have a radio in the bedroom and it’s usually on either on classical music or the Christian station. It provides a distraction for them. Actually, I don’t know what their preferences are but it’s what they are used to. I know several cats who prefer Jazz. Incidentally, if you are entertaining during fireworks, I’d suggest a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to the hiding spots. Your cats will thank you later. By the way, your cats will tell you they’ve been traumatized by all this. Therefore, a few beloved treats when it’s all over, would be greatly appreciated. A dish of water nearby is also welcome. Be sure the litter box is within reach, as well.
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P.S. Our canine friends feel the same way about fireworks as cats. Most of these ideas work for them as well. Pheremone sprays and calming sprays are also available for dogs, as are “ThunderShirts.” These shirts feel like a comforting hug to your dog. Keep in mind that more dogs and cats go missing when there are fireworks than any other time of year. Many, if not most, run off terrified and are never seen again! Please stay safe!
P.P.S.Incidentally, if you are shopping for some of the products I mentioned, you might check our new Savings Club. Memberships begin at $20 a month but you can get amazing discounts and coupons for the stores where you already shop! Here’s the LINK: SHG
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